Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
LUKE 1:28-32 | 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His ancestor David.
When the angel Gabriel visits Mary to tell her about her assignment and the coming baby he says, “Greetings favored one!” What a strange definition of favor. Will the coming of God’s Son mean material favor? No. Mary soon finds herself giving birth in a stable. Will it mean security? No. Mary and Joseph will soon be running from the homicidal Herod out to kill their little boy, and they become reluctant refugees in Egypt. Will this divine favor make for an easy life? No. It will be dangerous and heart-breaking to care for this controversial Messiah. Then what sort of favor can this be?
God’s favor is not primarily about security, or comfort, or ease. It is about the blessing of being part of His great purposes. Will Mary’s life be useful? Yes. Will it be meaningful? Will it be significant? Oh yes! Your life too is favored when you know you are part of God’s saving purpose.
Why do you think many people associate God’s favor with an untroubled life?
What has been the time in your life that you have been most aware of God’s favor?
Do you feel you are part of His saving purpose? What does that look like in your life?
